NCDOT names Worley Rail Division Director

Written by
William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has named 25-year department veteran Paul Worley as the new director of the Rail Division.

Worley supervises the day-to-day operations for the division, which collaborates with railroads on safety oversight, strategic planning and freight, and passenger improvements over the 3,300-mile rail system in North Carolina.

The Rail Division is in the process of investing more than a half-billion dollars in federal funds to modernize North Carolina’s rail corridor from Charlotte to Raleigh.

The Rail Division also operates two state-supported trains, providing passenger travel options as well as efficient and environmentally friendly transportation.

The division works with communities to make rail-highway crossings safer and more efficient by installing traffic-control equipment, and closing and consolidating high-accident crossings on highways, streets and bridges. Worley has received numerous industry awards and accolades for his work in that area.

Worley, who is the longest-serving employee in the division, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Campbell University. He is a Smithfield, N.C., native.

“Paul brings a depth of experience and proven leadership that will strengthen North Carolina’s reputation for safety and building railroads as we continue expanding and modernizing the state’s railroad system,” said NCDOT Deputy Secretary for Transit Richard Walls. “He will help us meet the challenges as we move forward toward a more dynamic and faster freight and passenger rail system.”